Taxpayer Deadlines Not Being Well Communicated

11 February 2002

The Institute of Chartered Accountants is reminding taxpayers that if they used a tax agent to file their tax return they have until 7 April to meet their end of year tax obligations.

"Inland Revenue has been issuing statements reminding taxpayers of payments due on 7 February, and what to do if the payments are late," says Jeff Owens, Tax Director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants reminded taxpayers today.

"Unfortunately, a number of these statements have failed to highlight that taxpayers who use a tax agent have a two month extension to 7 April. Mr Owens said the problem was not a new one, and it caused a lot of unnecessary concern for taxpayers.

"Every year our members receive calls from distressed or irate clients who have read the publicity and think they have missed a tax payment.

"The fact is that with removal of tax returns for wage and salary earners, the number of taxpayers without agents, who must therefore meet the 7 February tax obligations, is reducing. These days, 7 April is the more likely deadline for most taxpayers."

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